I purchased my Ram brand new in 2001.
After about 20.000 miles on the odometer, it developed loss of power while going 70 down the freeway one day.
It bogged down and Ipushed the pedal more toward the floor.
Then itbackfired through the intake.
After the backfire, then it was fine and ran greatfor 2 or 3 months only to return again.
It doesn't set a code.
I have had the truck in for this problem and they couldn't duplicate, even after having the truck for several days.
I have maintained the truck quite well, but maybe I'm missing something.
The problem happens just about everytime I start it up lately.
If I allow the motor to idle a moment and then give it a few quick pumps to the floor board, the problem won't manifest until next time it is restarted.
It does not seem to be related to weather(wet, cold, hot) and it doesn't matter if the engine is hot or cold.
Only seems to matter if the engine was shut off and restarted.
It seems to be sucking air in from somewhere causing aair to fuel mixture problem.
then the backfire and all is well until it gets restarted again.
The truck now has 155.000 on it.

I have replaced: wires, plugs, cap, rotor, oxygen sensor, throttle position sensor.
I even had the computer flashed with the latest program while it was at the dealership.

The truck is very clean and I would like to put another 150.000 plus on it.

Can anyone point me in the right direction.

Thanks

 

Have you replaced the PCV valve lately?

I'd do that first as it's aneasy $3.99 fix.

Then check the plenum gasket, look down the TB with a flash light and check for oil pooling in the corners of the intake manifold.

 

definitly check the plentum, but it could be as simple as cleaning the throttle body.....check the DIY section if you havent cleaned it out yet.......GL